Sunday, Nov 29, 2009
Gulf News
F1 TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN ABU DHABI AGAIN!
Abu Dhabi Arabian Sponsorship Forum organisers yesterday announced Brawn and Ferrari will be coming back to Abu Dhabi a little sooner than expected. However, this time they will be bypassing Yas Island and heading to Emirates Palace for the inaugural Arabian Sponsorship Forum.
Nick Fry, CEO of 2009 F1 World Champions Brawn GP — which recently became the new Mercedes works team following investment by Daimler AG and Abu Dhabi's Aabar Investments PJSC, has confirmed he will be appearing at the 2009 Forum.
"Sponsorship is incredibly important across all global sports and a key component of the commercial plan for Formula One teams," he said.
Also returning to Abu Dhabi will be the sporting director of Ferrari, Max Rivola. Rivola will discuss Ferrari's sponsorship strategy, including its partnerships with Abu Dhabi's Aldar, Etihad Airways and Mubadala. Alongside Rivola will be Etihad Airways' Chief Commercial Officer, Peter Baumgartner, who will discuss Etihad's partnership with Ferrari and their title sponsorship of the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Richard Cregan, the CEO of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management/Yas Marina Circuit and former Toyota F1 team manager, will also participate as a panellist in the Return on Investment Forum.
Jamie Cunningham, from organisers Professional Sports Group, said he was delighted with the support from F1.
"We were keen to ensure a who's who from both F1 and football for the inaugural forum. We are delighted both the Ferrari and Mercedes GP teams will be supporting the event, as well as many of the leading Arabic companies involved in the sport."
As part of the forum, there will be the region's first Arabian Sponsorship Awards on December 14. All award entries will be available to leading universities in the UAE and across the Arabian Gulf for marketing and business degree work. Entries must be made prior to December 8. Tickets for the forum are available online from www.arabiansponsorship.com.
Staff Report
Gulf News 2009. All rights reserved.
